Can't get rid of SearchMeUp. HijackThis log included

Discussion in 'adware, spyware & hijack cleaning' started by inweaknessbe, May 12, 2004.

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  1. inweaknessbe

    inweaknessbe Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2004
    Posts:
    6
    I can't get rid of the "searchmeup" hijack. I've run spybot and adaware, to no avail. I delete my temp internet files and cookies, but it keeps changing the homepage to searchmeup, and everything's running incredibly slow, and I can't use google or view many pages without the hijacker giving me a dead end. even if I delete the searchmeup items in hijackthis, they'll appear again. I keep getting a windows popup with this message, even if I don't have internet explorer open:

    Microsoft Internet Explorer
    Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls on this page. As a result, the page may not display correctly.

    If I click ok or close the box, the hijack seems to reclaim its territory. I'm at a loss as to what to do, I've found a few threads with the same problem that I have, but I'm not sure what to do. Can someone take a look at my hijackthis log and give me some advice?

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
    Scan saved at 12:51:47 AM, on 5/12/2004
    Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds\wbload.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\Program Files\FSI\F-Prot\F-StopW.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\ZLH.EXE
    C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
    C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\runwin32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\wininet32.exe
    C:\Program Files\StompSoft\Virus X-terminator\NVC\BIN\Zanda.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NYMSE.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NIP.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\nvcoas.exe
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NJEEVES.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NVCSCHED.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\nipsvc.exe
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\cclaw.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
    c:\program files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe
    c:\program files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\michael\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:8080
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = local
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
    R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
    O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
    O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-StopW] C:\Program Files\FSI\F-Prot\F-StopW.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Norman ZANDA] C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\ZLH.EXE /LOAD /SPLASH
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PestPatrol Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPControl.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPMemCheck.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\CookiePatrol.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [runwin32] C:\WINDOWS\runwin32.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [wininet32] C:\WINDOWS\wininet32.exe
    O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward &Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Cac&hed Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Si&milar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
    O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
    O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/sw.cab
    O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

    thanks in advance.
    -Mike
     
    inweaknessbe, May 12, 2004
    #1
  2. dvk01

    dvk01 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2003
    Posts:
    3,131
    Location:
    Loughton, Essex. UK
    First download CWshredder from http://www.thespykiller.co.uk

    boot into safe mode by following instructions here: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406
    then as some of the files or folders you need to delete may be hidden do this:
    Open Windows Explorer & Go to Tools > Folder Options. Click on the View tab and make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is checked. Also uncheck "Hide protected operating system files" and untick "hide extensions for known file types" . Now click "Apply to all folders"
    Click "Apply" then "OK"

    Before you start, please unzip hijackthis to a separate folder. The program will make backups in the folder in the folder it's in.
    These easily get lost in a Temp folder or get scattered all over the desktop

    Run hijackthis, tick these entries listed below and ONLY these entries, double check to make sure, then make sure all browser & email windows are closed and press fix checked

    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://www.searchmeup.com/search.php?aid=1057
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = 127.0.0.1:8080
    R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = local
    R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
    R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
    R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing

    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [runwin32] C:\WINDOWS\runwin32.exe
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [wininet32] C:\WINDOWS\wininet32.exe

    Delete these files

    C:\WINDOWS\runwin32.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\wininet32.exe


    Now Run Cwshreddder
    Close all browser windows, click on the cwshredder.exe then click "FIX" (Not "Scan only") and let it do it's thing.

    Reboot After running cwshredder and as soon as possible follow this advice:
    Now as CWS Hijacks are normally installed via the byte verifier exploit in M$ JavaVM, just surfing a page with an infected applet can install it with no user participation. So once you’ve run the above, it is vital that you go here, click Scan for updates in the main frame, and download and install all CRITICAL updates recommended.

    then
    Reboot normally &

    Go to IE/tools/options/connections, click on your connection/settings and UNTICK use a proxy server

    Download and unzip or install these programs/applications if you haven't already got them. If you have them, then make sure they are updated and configured as described

    Spybot - Search & Destroy from http://security.kolla.de
    AdAware 6 from http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download

    Run Sybot S&D

    After installing, first press Online, press search for updates, then tick the updates it finds, then press download updates. Beside the download button is a little down pointed arrow, select one of the servers listed. If it doesn't work or you get an error message then try a different server

    Next, close all Internet Explorer and OE windows, press 'Check for Problems', and have SpyBot remove all it finds that is marked in RED.

    then reboot &

    Run ADAWARE

    Before you scan with AdAware, check for updates of the reference file by using the "webupdate".
    the current ref file should read at least 01R303 08.05.2004 or a higher number/later date

    Then ........

    Make sure the following settings are made and on -------"ON=GREEN"
    From main window :Click "Start" then " Activate in-depth scan"

    then......

    click "Use custom scanning options>Customize" and have these options on: "Scan within archives" ,"Scan active processes","Scan registry", "Deep scan registry" ,"Scan my IE Favorites for banned URL" and "Scan my host-files"

    then.........

    go to settings(the gear on top of AdAware)>Tweak>Scanning engine and tick "Unload recognized processes during scanning" ...........then........"Cleaning engine" and "Let windows remove files in use at next reboot"

    then...... click "proceed" to save your settings.

    Now to scan it´s just to click the "Scan" button.

    When scan is finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it. (Right-click the window and choose"select all" from the drop down menu) then press next and then say yes to the prompt, do you want to remove all these entries.

    reboot again

    then post a new hijackthis log to check what is left
     
    dvk01, May 12, 2004
    #2
  3. inweaknessbe

    inweaknessbe Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2004
    Posts:
    6
    Thanks so much. I followed your instructions and afterwords when I ran adaware using the settings you advised, it found quite a few instances of coolwebsearch, which are gone now.

    Internet explorer still seems to be running pretty slow (especially typing), and when I first opened it after following your instructions, it redirected me to msn.com and keeps making a little bubble-type noise whenever I load pages. Also, I'm using Ft-prot antivirus realtime monitor, and when I loaded internet explorer for the first time, several notifications came up for "newtestload" in c/documents and settings/michael/local settings/temporary internet files. I don't know if this is normal, part of this problem, or something totally different. Here's my latest HijackThis log:

    Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
    Scan saved at 11:49:49 AM, on 5/12/2004
    Platform: Windows XP (WinNT 5.01.2600)
    MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 (6.00.2600.0000)

    Running processes:
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\csrss.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds\wbload.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXBCES.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\system32\LEXPPS.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
    C:\Program Files\FSI\F-Prot\F-StopW.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\ZLH.EXE
    C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPControl.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPMemCheck.exe
    C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\CookiePatrol.exe
    C:\Program Files\Winamp3\winampa.exe
    C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 6\DragToDisc\DrgToDsc.exe
    C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 6\AudioCentral\RxMon.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE
    C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
    C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
    C:\Program Files\StompSoft\Virus X-terminator\NVC\BIN\Zanda.exe
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NYMSE.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NIP.EXE
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
    c:\Program Files\Common Files\fh.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NJEEVES.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\nvcoas.exe
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\nipsvc.exe
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\NVCSCHED.EXE
    C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\cclaw.exe
    C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 6\AudioCentral\Playlist.exe
    C:\WINDOWS\System32\wuauclt.exe
    C:\Documents and Settings\michael\Desktop\HijackThis.exe

    O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
    O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar2.dll
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [F-StopW] C:\Program Files\FSI\F-Prot\F-StopW.EXE
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Norman ZANDA] C:\PROGRAM FILES\STOMPSOFT\VIRUS X-TERMINATOR\Nvc\BIN\ZLH.EXE /LOAD /SPLASH
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PestPatrol Control Center] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPControl.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PPMemCheck] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\PPMemCheck.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CookiePatrol] C:\PROGRA~1\PESTPA~1\CookiePatrol.exe
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] "C:\Program Files\Winamp3\winampa.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RoxioEngineUtility] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Roxio Shared\System\EngUtil.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RoxioDragToDisc] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 6\DragToDisc\DrgToDsc.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RoxioAudioCentral] "C:\Program Files\Roxio\Easy CD Creator 6\AudioCentral\RxMon.exe"
    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\System32\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AIM] C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
    O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
    O8 - Extra context menu item: &Google Search - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsearch.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Backward &Links - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmbacklinks.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Cac&hed Snapshot of Page - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmcache.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Si&milar Pages - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmsimilar.html
    O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate into English - res://c:\program files\google\GoogleToolbar2.dll/cmtrans.html
    O9 - Extra button: AIM (HKLM)
    O16 - DPF: {166B1BCA-3F9C-11CF-8075-444553540000} (Shockwave ActiveX Control) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/director/sw.cab
    O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab

    Thanks so much for all of your help, you guys here rock.
     
    inweaknessbe, May 12, 2004
    #3
  4. dvk01

    dvk01 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2003
    Posts:
    3,131
    Location:
    Loughton, Essex. UK
    No that isn't normal behaviour

    Do all this it will help a lot

    boot into safe mode by following instructions here: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406
    then as some of the files or folders you need to delete may be hidden do this:
    Open Windows Explorer & Go to Tools > Folder Options. Click on the View tab and make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" is checked. Also uncheck "Hide protected operating system files" and untick "hide extensions for known file types" . Now click "Apply to all folders"
    Click "Apply" then "OK"

    then using windows explorer go to C:\Documents and Settings\USER NAME\Local Settings\Temp and select everything in that folder and delete it

    as XP will not let you delete files less than 24 hours old as it thinks it might need them please also do this

    while in the temp folder, select view and select details.

    then right click a blank part and select arrange icons by, and select show in groups and modified, that will give a list of all files in date order with today at the top of the page.

    select all the files/folders except the today ones and delete them all.

    1) Open Control Panel
    2) Click on Internet Options
    3) On the General Tab, in the middle of the screen, click on Delete Files
    4) You may also want to check the box "Delete all offline content"
    5) Click on OK and wait for the hourglass icon to stop after it deletes the temporary internet files
    6) You can now click on Delete Cookies and click OK to delete cookies that websites have placed on your hard drive

    Turn off system restore by following instructions here
    http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001111912274039

    That will purge the restore folder and clear any malware that has been put in there. Then reboot & then re-enable sytem restore & create a new restore point.

    Read here https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971 for info on how to tighten your security settings and how to help prevent future attacks.

    & it is vital that you go here, click Scan for updates in the main frame, and download and install all CRITICAL updates recommended.
     
    dvk01, May 12, 2004
    #4
  5. dvk01

    dvk01 Global Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2003
    Posts:
    3,131
    Location:
    Loughton, Essex. UK
    I also don't like the look of this file that wasn't in the previous logs
    c:\Program Files\Common Files\fh.exe

    please copy this file and zip it and send to submit@thespykiller.co.uk with a short note referring to this thread
    c:\Program Files\Common Files\fh.exe

    when it's been examined we'll let you know if it is bad and if so how to fix it
     
    dvk01, May 12, 2004
    #5
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